ALFIE Curry’s mum and dad have raised thousands for the hospital that helped their ‘miracle’ new born baby survive a life threatening heart defect.

Mum Lindsey, who was told by doctors six years ago that she was unlikely to ever give birth naturally, brought her nine pound bouncing baby boy in to the world on October 6 2008.

Alfie, who is now 16 months old, was soon at home with his proud parents and older brother Jack on Milton Street.

However, within days the family's midwife became concerned by the colour of Alfie's nose, and the baby was re-admitted to Ormskirk Hospital and instantly referred to Liverpool's Alder Hey Children's Hospital

Doctors told the couple, who first met as teenage sweethearts in the Carousel off West Street, that Alfie was a 'a very poorly little boy.'

He was diagnosed with transposition of the great arteries, which is congenital heart lesion, and required emergency surgery.

Lindsey and husband Steven's 'world seemed to end' when their baby was rushed in to theatre for a preliminary operation on the Friday night.

And four days later the little boy underwent major heart surgery, as Steven and Lindsey's dream of parenthood descended in to a nightmare.

The family sought sanctuary in Ronald McDonald House , the purpose built accommodation suite at Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

Mum and dad spent most of their days 'crying' and feared the worst when they were informed of 'complications' during the ten hour operation.

Alfie's coronary artery was 'unusual' and surgeons were forced to refer to text books while the baby was under the knife.

The operation was led by Nelson Alphonso, and today the Southport couple find it hard to articulate their admiration for the life saving surgeon.

The Southport family have now raised £10,000 with the help of their family and friends for Ronald McDonald House.

Speaking for the first time about her son's fight for life, Lindsey said: “It all seems like a dream now when we look back.

“When you are told that your new born baby has a life threatening heart defect your world ends. Life stops.

“During the first ten days of Alfie's life we could have lost him at any time.

“The days were filled with tears.

“When Alfie was in hospital, I wanted to swap places with him.

“Ronald McDonald House helped us hold on to our sanity.

“Not being able to hold my new born baby for ten days was so hard. When Alfie was back in my arms I knew everything would be fine.

“I was told that I may never have a natural pregnancy six years ago, so everyday with my sons is a gift.

“Jack was a miracle for me, and Alfie' birth and survival is another gift.

“Today Alfie is our little star.

“He loves Igglepiggle in In the Night Garden and eating crisps.

“My son still has a scar on his chest, but it might help him with the girls when he is a little older. He can say he had a fight with a tiger.

“Although I have my hands full with two boys, there may be an addition one day. One more miracle would be nice.”